Light e-MTB Haibike Lyke on test: 18.6-kilo e-bike with Fazua motor
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 01.09.2022
In spring Fazua's new Ride 60 e-bike motor presented. However, e-MTBs with the lightweight motor have been in short supply until now. The brand new Lyke from Haibike is the first Ride 60 e-bike that we have been able to test in detail. This project is a remarkable milestone for e-MTB pioneer Haibike. The lightweight trail e-MTB is intended to pave the way for the brand into a sporty future. Until now, the Schweinfurt-based company has been known more for sturdy e-mountainbikes. The commitment to power culminated in the brute Flyon models with super-powerful TQ HPR 120 motor. The Lyke seems to be the blatant counter-movement. Slim, light and minimalist. However, and Haibike attaches particular importance to this: the Lyke should also convey a real e-bike feeling and not disappoint the user with a lack of power.
Content: Everything about the new Haibike Lyke with Fazua motor
The facts about the Haibike Lyke
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60 (max. 60 Nm torque, 450 watts peak power)
- Battery: Fazua, 430 Wh, removable, 2250 grams (EMTB measured value)
- Suspension travel: 140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Carbon frame
- From 18.6 kilos (size L, EMTB measurement)
- Three models for 6499 euros, 7499 euros and 9999 euros
Haibike Lyke: The construction
If you install the new Ride 60 from Fazua, you have the choice between two battery variants. Permanently installed or removable. The Haibike developers quickly realised that the battery should be removable so as not to restrict the customer base unnecessarily. Nevertheless, the team did not want to compromise on lightweight construction. The removable Fazua solution with a classic fold-out energy carrier was therefore out of the question for the Schweinfurt-based company. This bracket with convenient battery removal requires a wide open down tube - counterproductive when building a lightweight frame. So the engineers came up with a special solution: The 430 Wh battery, which is intended for fixed mounting, is installed in such a way that it can be pulled downwards out of the closed down tube in the bottom bracket area. This is only possible because the Ride 60 was planted upright in the bottom bracket area.
Haibike Lyke: The battery removal
If you want to remove the 430cc battery from the Haibike Lyke, you have to do a little more than turn the key in the lock and let the battery fold out. Compared to many other bikes with the popular removal system from the closed down tube, the compact Fazua battery works in the Lyke's favour. Thanks to its short length, it can be easily pulled out of the frame while the bike is standing upright. Power eMTBs with this design, such as the Specialised Turbo Levo or the new Canyon Spectral:On must be turned upside down in order to remove the battery in a relaxed manner.
The steps for removing the battery from the Haibike Lyke: The first step is to remove the small cover from the bottom bracket. It is secured with a long Allen screw. The bolt that secures the battery in the frame can also be removed with an Allen key. Now open the plug connection between the battery and the system and the battery slides out downwards. All in all, removing the battery is easy and takes no more than a minute. However, if you don't like tinkering with your e-bike, you will find more convenient solutions with classic removable systems.
The drive: Fazua Ride 60
In April the Bavarian light pioneer Fazua presented the Ride 60. With a maximum torque of 60 Newton metres and 450 watts of short-term peak power the drive is not intended to be a minimalist mini-motor, but to convey a real e-bike feeling. The low weight of 1.96 kilos is really powerful. A special feature is the boost function. In addition to the three support levels Breeze, River and Rocket this extra power can be activated by a long press upwards on the remote lever. A peak output of 450 watts is then called up for twelve seconds. In the highest U-level, the Rocket mode, a maximum of 350 watts is permanently available.
The Fazu Ride 60 in practical use with the Haibike Lyke
In practical use, the Ride 60 feels surprisingly powerful for its slim dimensions. The ride feel is pleasant and balanced, and the drive makes no attempt to disguise its e-bike identity. The Rocket mode does not push obtrusively, but is certainly striking. If you hold the lever upwards, the Ride 60 releases its extra boost for 12 seconds. This is not a marketing gimmick, but a clearly noticeable power boost. With this 450 watt peak output, the motor even scratches at the lower end of the power league. On the trail, this function is ideal for short steep sections or technical key sections. The thrust released in this mode is impressive, especially when you consider the low weight of the Ride 60.
During our first short ride on the newly launched Ride 60 in April, we were particularly impressed by the Low background noise positively. And this impression was confirmed during our extensive tests with the Haibike Lyke. Compared to its predecessor, the Fazua Ride 50the newcomer has become even quieter. On gravel, the whirring of the drive is completely drowned out by the rolling noise of the tyres. Even when a classic e-bike motor is whirring in the neighbouring bike, the thrust of the Ride 60 is virtually inaudible. On damp forest ground and at low speeds, the Ride 60 hums perceptibly, especially at high cadences. Overall, however, it is one of the quietest e-bike drives we have ever ridden. This also applies downhill. We were unable to detect any rattling from the gearbox. On our Haibike Lyke test bike, only a subtle rattling of the cables in the head tube area was slightly annoying.
Does the Fazua Ride 60 have any weaknesses?
In addition to the Ring Control remote unit, which is in need of improvement, we were also able to elicit minor inconsistencies in the tuning of the drive in our detailed driving tests. However, these subtleties are hardly noticeable during normal riding. However, those who rely on precise power delivery in real time on technical climbs may be bothered by a small "power gap". If the rider briefly stops pedalling, for example in a hairpin bend or when managing the pedals over steps and roots, the motor boost only returns with a minimal delay and a slight jerk. This is not ideal. When transitioning from the boost function to normal support, a similar gap occurs for a fraction of a second in some situations. However, this is also a subtlety that is only noticeable in extreme situations during normal riding. We also know that Fazua is currently working on a software update to further optimise the fine-tuning of the drive.
Basically, when the motor power of the Ride 60 is applied, a slight clacking noise can be heard in some situations. However, this is much more discreet than we are used to from Shimano's EP8 where this feedback is also very pronounced acoustically. This has no effect on the function and power transmission. Another striking feature is that the Fazua system switches off more quickly than most other drives when you stop riding.
A detailed comparison of the light motors for e-bikes
All in all, our impression of the Fazua Ride 60 is very positive. We are currently working on a detailed comparison of the newcomer with its competitors in the light category. To do this, we'll be taking the bikes through the terrain, up the mountains - and through a professional test lab.
The Fazua app
Range extender for more range
In addition to the option of doubling the range with a removable battery, Haibike has placed great emphasis on a range extender that can be attached to the frame. 210 watt hours fit on the bike in water bottle format. This means you can go on a relaxed tour with a whopping 640 watt hours - and thus have more capacity available than an average power eMTB had just over a year ago. Details and weights of the additional battery are not yet known, as it will not be finalised until after the market launch of the Lyke.
The geometry of the Haibike Lyke
The geometry of the new Light-E-MTB can be described as sporty and modern. The developers have given the bike a mature reach of 480 millimetres in size L and a steep 77.3 seat angle. At 65 degrees, the head angle is not extremely slack - but compared to other 140-millimetre bikes, it is certainly progressive. Some other light trail bikes, such as the Specialized Levo SL or Orbeas Rise, rely on steeper head angles for maximum playful handling. The same applies to the chainstays, which are rather long on the Lyke compared to other light bikes. Haibike writes 450 millimetres in its geometry table. The wheelbase is also long and takes on the dimensions of an average power eMTB in the all-mountain class. Overall, the engineers wanted to give the Lyke balanced riding characteristics on uphill and downhill terrain. The Lyke should also show its strengths on technical and steep climbs. The minimum possible chainstay length is also limited by the special motor positioning and the large 29-inch wheels.
The Haibike Lyke in detail
On test: Haibike Lyke SE
Haibike is breaking new ground with its first light e-MTB. Is the Lyke the harbinger of a new company philosophy? Or is there even a change in the E-MTB market behind it?
Is this the final proof that light e-MTBs are the next big thing in our sport? Haibike, the industry leader and known for its clear commitment to striking e-bikes, has now struck. Lyke is the name of the Schweinfurt-based company's latest offspring. And compared to the rest of the Haibike range, the newcomer appears to be much more pointed and sporty. Light approach with a small battery and mini motor. Sporty geometry and kinematics. However, Haibike has not completely abandoned its philosophy with the Lyke. The Fazua Ride 60 is surprisingly powerful for a light motor. And the 430 watt-hour battery is also above the average for the new class (see test from p. 50). "It was important to us that the Lyke still conveys a real e-bike feeling. Not just a slight tailwind, but a noticeable motor boost and full uphill performance," says Brand Manager Matthias Rückerl.
Haibike has packaged the new Fazua system, which actually bridges the gap between minimalist light designs and classic e-MTBs with astonishing skill, in a sporty trail and touring speedster. 140 millimetres of suspension travel, 29er wheels, full carbon frame. After light trail bikes such as the Levo SL from Specialized or the Orbea Rise H, anyone waiting for the next step in terms of light weight will be disappointed by the Lyke. 18.6 kilos is not record-breaking. But realistically speaking, this is still a strong figure. This is because the Haibike offers more battery capacity and also a battery that can be removed for charging, storage or changing on tour. This can be a huge advantage, as it adds weight to the design. On top of that, the Ride 60 offers more power, especially compared to the Specialized. All this makes the Lyke much more versatile. To keep the weight within the frame, Haibike has opted for an all-carbon chassis. Only the shock linkage is made of aluminium. Special effort has also gone into the integration and removal of the battery. Instead of Fazua's own removal system, in which the battery folds forwards out of the down tube
Haibike has found a way to allow the battery to slide out of the closed tube.
But how does the Lyke ride? When you sit on it, you like the balanced position. Only the somewhat narrow 760 mm handlebar is noticeable if you are used to wider calibres. The steep seat angle positions the rider comfortably in the centre of the bike. But thanks to the long reach and flat front, you don't sit too upright or even squat. On climbs, you always have plenty of pressure on the front wheel and the bike willingly follows your steering movements. For extra steep climbs, the Lyke has the Ride 60 ace up its sleeve. At the push of a button, the motor throws out an extra 100 watts. An exciting tool that can defuse key sections in the terrain. It even brings uphill sections within reach that seem to be reserved for more powerful E-MTBs. However, with the extra boost, which is not released as precisely as the power in the other U-stages, the front wheel does start to climb a little. All in all, the Lyke's uphill qualities are very strong and unusual for a bike in the light class. The good rear suspension, which generates a lot of traction, also contributes to this. However, it lands on the firm side and prioritises efficiency over comfort.
On flat trail terrain, the Lyke is really in its element. With the very light wheels, it rides lively and defined. The bike takes the chosen line very purposefully. Thanks to the balanced load distribution, there are no problems with too little pressure on the front wheel. However, the bike is not playful in the classic sense. The slightly longer chainstays require effort to get the front wheel in the air. But thanks to the poppy rear triangle, active riders can still make excellent use of roots and ledges as a jump ramp. Riding fun is definitely not neglected, and on flowing trails the direct handling encourages a playful riding style. The bike greedily takes corners of all kinds. It also has no problems with tight bends, even though the wheelbase is long. The Lyke also benefits from its balanced wheel load distribution, which makes cornering very intuitive. Touring bikers and experienced downhill riders alike benefit from this. However, the Lyke does not enter the enduro league. It can't hide the rather short suspension travel of 140 millimetres. The suspension works well off-road, but it passes on harsh impacts to the rider in trail bike style. If you want to step on the gas on rough downhills, you need an experienced hand and have to hold your own. However, the modern geometry allows for a racy riding style. Some other bikes in this travel class, such as the Trek Fuel EXe, offer more of an enduro attitude. But this is the exception rather than the rule. In addition, the 140cc Lyke clearly holds the lively cards in this comparison. For a more aggressive ride, we recommend more robust tyres that allow a lower air pressure and slightly wider handlebars.
More important for touring bikers: the range. In our standardised range altitude test, the Lyke managed 1241 metres of altitude in the highest of the three support levels (without boost function!). The full power was available very consistently over three climbs. The Ride 60 switched off the support on the last few per cent of the battery and thus cranked up another 100 metres in altitude. Above-average values for a light eMTB and a further indication that Lyke is making the topic of light eMTBs accessible to a broad group with Fazua's Ride 60. What's missing for mass appeal? A real entry-level price category. Even if the € 9999 for the top model is anything but outrageous compared to the rest of the industry, the entry-level price of € 6499 is still well above where classic e-MTBs with a power motor and large battery start.
Technical data and notes Haibike Lyke SE
General information
- Price: 9999 Euro
- Sizes / frame material: S / M / L (tested size) / XL / Carbon
- to the Haikbike website
Drive
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60
- Max. Torque³: 60 Nm
- Battery³ / weight²/ price replacement battery: Fazua 430 Wh / 2255 g / 749 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano XTR (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 32; 10-51
- Display / size: Fazua LED hub, no display
Equipment
- Permissible total weight³: 120 kg
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Factory / Float X Factory
- Suspension travel (f. / h.)³: 140 mm / 140 mm
- Telescopic post: Fox Transfer Factory, 150 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano XTR M9120 / 203 mm / 180 mm
- Wheels: Mavic Crossmax XL R Carbon
- Tyres (f. / h.): Maxxis Dissector EXO / EXO+ MaxxTerra, 29 x 2.4"
Measured values²
- Reach altitude¹: 1241 (+92)hm
- Average speed: 12.4 km/h
- Centre of gravity height: 518 mm
- Handlebar width: 760 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 170 mm / 184 mm
- Ground clearance4: 503 mm
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
² Determined on the test stands in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
³ Manufacturer's specification
⁴ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
⁵ Measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel (step).
Haibike Lyke: models, prices, availability
The new Haibike Lyke light e-MTB will be available in three equipment variants between 6499 and 9999 euros. All models are based on the same carbon chassis, with the main frame and rear triangle made from carbon fibre. The drive system is also identical for all variants: Fazua Ride 60 and 430 Wh battery. The two cheaper e-bikes do not have a shock absorber with reservoir. The Haibike Lyke 11 should be in shops from Novemberthe other two models a little later.
Conclusion from Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB
PLUS: Balanced riding characteristics; lively riding experience; good ratio of weight and battery/motor power; exchangeable battery
MINUS: Remote lever not very well defined; narrow handlebars
"Sporty trail ride or relaxed tour? The new Lyke from Haibike appeals to a broad target group and manages this balancing act with flying colours. For a Haibike, it is surprisingly sporty and progressive. The combination with the very successful Ride 60 drive from Fazua makes it very versatile: suitable for sporty light-assist fans as well as for fans of classic power e-bikes."
Interview with Matthias Rückerl, Brand Manager Haibike
"We want to become more sporty, that's our ambition." - Matthias Rückerl, Haibike
EMTB: With the Flyon concept and 120 Newton metres, you have a very power-oriented history. Does the Lyke represent a completely new Haibike philosophy?
Matthias Rückerl: No, I wouldn't say that. We simply see enormous potential in the light e-MTB segment. We are getting this signal from our dealers and end customers. The Lyke is simply a logical step for us and opens up new target groups.
Who benefits most from a bike like the Lyke?
First and foremost, we appeal to sporty and performance-orientated bikers. We primarily see people who want something in between a non-motorised bike and a classic e-MTB. The Lyke can also make the Haibike brand even more exciting for core bikers. For people who may not have felt at home with us in the past. We want to serve this target group more and more in the future. We want to become more sporty, that is our aspiration.
Minimal-Assist, Light-Support, Light-E-Bike - there are many names for the new, lightweight E-MTBs. What is the Lyke?
We call it a light e-MTB. One thing is clear: with the Lyke, you should feel that you are on an e-bike. At least as far as the motor thrust is concerned. In terms of weight, however, it is more like a conventional bike. From our point of view, this combination has never been seen before.
Is that why the decision was made in favour of Fazua?
Absolutely. Previously, you had to make a lot more compromises. Restrictions on range, lack of aha effect with the motor power. The new Fazua drive puts an end to that. This no longer has anything to do with minimal or light assist. The combination of the above points ultimately convinced us to actually realise the project.
How did the vertically installed motor come about?
We wouldn't have built a bike without a removable battery. However, the standard Fazua solution was not an option for us for weight reasons. So we decided early on that we wanted to install the internal Fazua battery in the closed down tube so that it could be removed. This resulted in the concept with the rotated motor. This was a logical further development, as the rotated motor already characterised the original Haibike, our very first E-MTB fully.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
